Intrarenal Flashcards
1
Q
What is intrarenal essentially synonymous with on the USMLE?
A
Acute tubular necrosis
This term is important for understanding renal pathophysiology.
2
Q
What happens to BUN and sodium reabsorption in intrarenal conditions?
A
The kidney can’t reabsorb urea and sodium as easily, so BUN is lower (i.e., BUN/Cr is <20)
and sodium is higher in the urine (i.e., FENa is >1%)
3
Q
What is the most important point regarding acute tubular necrosis for the USMLE?
A
An acute drop in perfusion to the kidney causes acute tubular necrosis, not pre-renal causes.
Understanding the distinction between intrarenal and pre-renal causes is crucial for diagnosis.
